About us
The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN) is a UK recognised Awarding Organisation based in Northern Ireland.
We are regulated by the Qualifications Regulators to develop and award regulated professional and technical (vocational) qualifications, from Entry Level up to and including Level 5 across all sector areas.
As an educational charity, we help advance education by developing nationally recognised qualifications and recognising the achievements of adults and young people. We work with centres such as Further Education Colleges, Private Training Organisations, Voluntary & Community Organisations, Schools, SME’s and Public Sector bodies to provide learners with opportunities to progress into further learning and/or employment.
We are a not for profit organisation and re-invest all of our resources back into the development of new qualifications and educational resources.
As an OCN Recognised Centre there are a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications available to support your learning, personal, or corporate development needs in various ways.
What is an Awarding Organisation?
An Awarding Organisation sometimes referred to as an awarding body or exam board designs, develops and awards qualifications that are valued by employers, learners and other stakeholders.
They approve education and training providers and work with them to ensure high-quality delivery of qualifications and set specific assessments designed to assure the quality of the qualifications awarded.
About OCN
The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN) is a UK recognised Awarding Organisation based in Northern Ireland. We are NI’s leading Awarding organisation and are regulated by CCEA Regulation to develop and award professional and technical (vocational) qualifications from Entry Level up to and including Level 5 across all sector areas. In addition, OCN is also regulated by Ofqual to award similar qualifications in England.
We are an educational charity and social enterprise that advances education by developing nationally recognised qualifications and recognising the achievements of adults and young people. We work with centres such as Further Education Colleges, Private Training Organisations, Voluntary & Community Organisations, Schools, SME’s and Public Sector bodies to provide learners with opportunities to progress into further learning and/or employment.
We are a not-for-profit organisation and re-invest all of our resources back into the development of new qualifications and educational resources.
Our Impact
In total, we have registered over 800,000 learners as well as engaged with over 774 recognised centres.
Our Mission
To develop and award qualifications which engage, enrich and equip learners for life.
Our Qualifications
We offer over 500 qualifications across a wide range of subject areas from Entry Level up to and including Level 5.
Work with us
If you are interested in working with us, please do not hesitate to give us a call to see how we can support your organisation to take the necessary steps to deliver nationally recognised qualifications or endorsed courses
